Big progress!

Posted by Alexandra Howard On May 4, 2012 · Filed Under Friends of Lenana · Comment 

Written by Marianne Florijn, HHFL supporter

Back to the project after a two-year absence, I was amazed to see that big progress had been made. Luckily, the old guard was still there, like Lucy, the Tiny Tots teachers, Mama Margaret, John and the ever so hard working cooks. No, the big change was to see a real functioning computer room with Isaiah as the computer teacher!

Last year, my son-in law, Jasper Groothuis who works for a Real Estate company, Cushman and Wakefield had donated about 45 computers .  Together with contacts at KLM cargo, they were delivered at the slum, notwithstanding the big burocratic hurdles that had been overcome.

Isaiah makes sure that each group, including the tiny ones of 3-4 years old, now have the privileged chance to get a headstart in life and become computer-savy!

As we now have a small group of high school graduates, the next step is to make sure to choose the right study in order to prepare them to leave the project and make it on their own! The first stop was the Computer school were our bright young Kennedy is a student.  Then on to a beauty-hairdresser school where hopefully two of our girls will be placed!

The next day was a real eye-opener: Strathmore University. A sprawling new campus built in beautiful architecture. Could be anywhere in Western world!  To be admitted at Strathmore is a double challenge for our donors as more money has to be generated to pay for our hopeful future students.

Ngina is our first pioneer student and this year our next hopeful girl is Mercy Kangwato. Two very lucky girls who will surely make us proud one day with their certificate in their hands!

Then last but not least, my other foster-daughter Alice Kangwato is busy getting her credentials to enter the Amboseli Hotelschool.

It was wonderful to be back at the project to see all the incredible progress. I look forward to my return! This Mama Marianne is surely a very proud mama!

HHFL’s 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

Posted by Alexandra Howard On April 9, 2012 · Filed Under Activities · Comment 

Written by Lilley Salmon

Today at the Hanne Howard Fund there was an Easter egg hunt! Hanne, my mother Lynda, Marcy, Mamas Margaret and Brian, Baba John, Eric and I ushered all the children into their rooms and closed the windows and doors. We then hid lots of chocolates, eggs, lollipops and sweets all over the project. When we had finished the children rushed out of their dormitories and ran frantically around the project searching for the candy and eggs. Every time an egg or candy was found an exclamation of happiness or scream of delight was heard. Mamas Margaret and Brian, and Baba John were following the children with a basket where the sweets had to be placed. When all the candies and eggs were found, each child could pick one lollipop, one chocolate, and a few candies from the baskets. The eggs will be saved for tomorrow when the children can cook them any way they like.

It was a great day that everyone enjoyed and that ended with new shoes and clothes, which my mother and I brought from the International Community School of Zurich!

HHFL extends its hand to the greater community

Posted by Alexandra Howard On April 2, 2012 · Filed Under Fundraising · Comment 

We have recently accepted a hugely generous donation of 47 computers from Cushman & Wakefield  in Amsterdam. We are now revamping our computer lab to accommodate 16 new and improved computers. In particular, we would like to thank KLM’s Jacques Leyssenaar, LFS Life Freight Service’s Jochem Stap and Cushman and Wakefield’s Willem Bunte for making this all happen! Asante Sana!

Unfortunately we don’t have space for all the donated computers in our lab. In an effort to support children in the greater community, we have decided to give 10 computers to Paul Mbui Primary School, one of Kenya’s best performing rural schools. HHFL’s Computer teacher, Isaiah, writes below about the impact of our gift.  It feels wonderful to be able to share and help other well deserving children in the Kenyan community.

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Written by Isaiah Kirieri, HHFL Computer Teacher

News about the donation of 10 computers has been in the mind of the Paul Mbiu Primary School’s management since I first mentioned it to them a month ago. The school, with 526 pupils and 14 teachers, does not have any computers even though it is among the best performing schools in the Gatanga district with 70% of its graduates amassing merit of enrollment into secondary schools all over the country. The school has been leading other schools in the district for a track record of 9 years!

It has been virtually a day-dream for the school to have computers even if it could only be for the staff. This, and it is sad to admit, is the reality with most of the rural schools in Kenya. Computers are a fairy tale to the kids since most schools still do not have access to electricity.

Paul Mbiu Primary School’s chairperson, Mr. Jasan Muhungi says, “Paul Mbiu Primary School fraternity feel greatly honored and full of gratitude for donation of 10 computers which will enable our 526 students start IT education. This will prepare them to be competitive in this world full of modern technology. A promise is made that they (computers) will be well utilized for the benefit of the pupils in the school.”

HHFL’s deed of generosity could be likened to a drop of rain in the Kalahari in trying to bridge the digital divide and move Kenya towards meeting its Millenium Development Goals, with access to ICT services and skills being among the vital pillars. It is our greatest hope that if anyone who has some ability can move towards making some difference to one or two people to help build a world that is pleasant to live in. So be it material support or goodwill, each one of us has something they can offer to someone with little hope of making any meaningful advancement in life. That long journey does not necessarily materialize overnight, but with each single step made in the conscious direction.

Back at HHFL, everyone is always living for the time allocated for their computer classes with our new and improved computers. The lessons are getting more interesting with more of our kids getting exhilarated by the computer lab’s new look. Thank you Cushman and Wakefield!

On a light touch, the first question I had to answer after bringing the new computers was, “Teacher, are these our new TV’s?” and I just had to respond with equal innocence.

Another successful apprenticeship…

Posted by Ted Horton On March 25, 2012 · Filed Under Education · Comment 

Anthony is a 20 year old orphan from Lenana. He graduated from high school but couldn’t afford any further formal education. When we first met him in November he was working as a casual labourer for a local carpenter, and living with and supporting his grandmother who raised him. We saw his determination, liked his attitude and felt we could help get him launched in a career.

Anthony is now happily apprenticing with a local tent and canvas company, getting the employable skills training he desperately wanted. Anthony is making the first 20 backpacks that we have ordered for our kids and they are proving more durable and cost effective. The business owner says Anthony is a natural and gets it! A Win Win!! Gotta like it!!! viagra

Yoga comes to HHFL!

Posted by Ted Horton On February 13, 2012 · Filed Under Activities · Comment 

Moyra Earnshsaw, one of our new Kenyan Board members, led the HHFL kids and staff this morning in an hour of twists, contortions, stretches, breathing, sprinkled with generous portions of giggles and laughter.  Saturday yoga has arrived at HHFL. What fun! What a hit! Asante sana Moyra.
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Meet Isaiah, HHFL’s new Computer teacher

Posted by Ted Horton On February 9, 2012 · Filed Under Meet the Team · Comment 

Meet Isaiah, our newest member of the HHFL team. Isaiah’s background and accomplishments in the face of life’s challenges are very inspirational. He not only “gets it” but happily shares his talents and gives back. He is a terrific role model, not only for our staff but also for the HHFL kids. Under Isaiah’s training and supervision our computers are now truly opening up a new world for these kids as well as other deserving adults in the Lenana community who receive free computer training from Isaiah as part of our community outreach program.

Written by Isaiah
My name is Isaiah Kirieri and I am currently running the Computer department at Hanne Howard Fund/Lenana. I am an eighth-born in a nuclear family of ten siblings and we reside in the rural areas of Kitale, a town located on the western border of Kenya. Our home is actually a few kilometers from the Kenya-Uganda border such that we sometimes trek to the neighboring country and back.

Being a college IT diploma graduate from Amboseli Institute of Hospitality & Technology, Thika, is a significant milestone that has led me to be serving the Fund at the moment.

The idea about Hanne Howard Fund came to my notice some time back in 2011 when I got introduced to the staff at the premises in Lenana by one of my colleagues with whom we were at Computers for Schools Kenya for my internship.

I am bereft of better words to draw the exact picture of my first experience with the organization. First, it is for the nostalgia that warms up my soul when I stare at little children and young adults who most likely share no blood cohesion yet they live peaceably relating to one another as brothers and sisters. I have been nurtured from an analogous setup during my high school days between 2003 and 2007 when I was awarded full-sponsorship at the prestigious Starehe Boys’ Centre School after scoring a total of 435 out of the possible 500 marks for my primary level examination in 2003. The common thing about these two places is that we all come from different backgrounds, each with a story to tell, and to some, it rips open painful sores of some past we never wish to be reminded about.

Unbelievably, to people whose lives would otherwise be ruined, we are given hope and a future and our past drawn into the bin. We come out with our heads high, having been molded in an all-round manner to enable us identify obstacles in life and get the logistics of disentangling ourselves out of them. We are given life skills, moral and career guidance that transform us into people who can lead responsible lives in a world full of young men and women who have lost focus and can not be able to join the dots in life.

At HHFL, it is quite fascinating to see youths whose lives would otherwise be shattered in drugs, irresponsible behavior among other crimes, being taught what it means to be self-reliant, offered with a practical opportunity to understand the essence of team-building and to make them successful adults. My greatest wish is that such benevolence could be extended to many more who are in need. It however remains a collective responsibility to each one of us to do something out of our ability to enable others enjoy that advantage. Those are words that still echo in my mind from the charge each school leaver from my high school is given and I quote, “ Remember that wherever you go, you carry with you the good name of Starehe…and that in time to come, you will  out of your means…..help others enjoy the same advantage.”

With such a conviction at the back of my mind, I have the joy to dedicate all my energy and ability to ensure that I give the best of care, technically, socially and in any other way, to one, two or more of the young people I encounter in this home and in so doing, pass on the noble values that were given to me. Most of these are what have kept me going to this day and I am ever grateful. As for the computers, I am ready to do anything I can to furnish my students with all the skills they need to make experts who can say “I can do it” and not “I know”. And to people who toil day and night to sustain the scores of vulnerable young people in Africa and all over the world, you are partakers with God in the work of creation. Only God can reward your selfless support for the transformation you have brought to many.

It is for such charitable organizations that many lives have been salvaged, talents identified and careers developed, a blatant fact that Hanne Howard Fund/Lenana is a more than a home, away from home.

HHFL’s 2011 Christmas Pageant Spectacle!

Posted by Alexandra Howard On February 2, 2012 · Filed Under Videos & Pictures · Comment 

Hello everyone!

After several weeks of editing with our fabulous videographer, James Muriuki, we are excited to finally share with you a slightly condensed version of HHFL’s 2011 Christmas pageant spectacle which took place on December 23th at the HHFL compound.

The play was created by both my Mum (Hanne) and the kids. It was performed in front of our teachers, staff, friends, families and local supporters. Everyone had a blast. The kids made all their own costumes and Mum did a magnificent job in her Directorial debut :)  She only had two weeks to organize and direct 130 kids! Piece of cake, right?

Check it out – you won’t be disappointed. It really is a wonderful affirmation of our collective efforts and sets a brilliant tone for 2012. There is so much to celebrate and be proud of.

Enjoy, Alexandra

Happy New Year from the HHFL team!

Posted by Ted Horton On January 12, 2012 · Filed Under Activities · Comment 

Written by Ted Horton

On behalf of Hanne and everyone at HHFL, I would like to wish you all a very happy new year! The December school break that brought all the kids home to the project has come and gone and the kids are now largely sorted and back in school.  It was an extremely busy month and now that we’ve settled somewhat into our 2012 rhythm, we’d love to share with you what we’ve been up to. Here is a snapshop of some recent activities:

Christmas Pageant/Musical

The Christmas pageant /musical that Hanne produced and directed with the help of our art, music and drama teachers and a cast of 130+ kids was a big hit. All the costumes and props were made from scratch. Definitely a kaleidoscope of color and a sight to behold. Equally important—it was performed without a hitch to the delight of all on December 23rd!! We filmed the whole production with the help of a local videographer so stay tuned for the video, which will be available online shortly.

Boxing Day Lunch

Thanks to the generosity of one of our faithful supporters, our hostel kids were treated to a Boxing Day lunch at a local venue again this year. Good food, great fun and entertainment! Hanne and I always enjoy this event very much – it’s heart warming to see the children having such fun.

Back to school activities

We have been really busy sorting the kids’ schooling. Interviewing all the primary and secondary school kids, with their report cards in hand, took a lot of time but proved to be very worthwhile. A few of the older students are really struggling and it’s time to change gears to vocational training –it’s a better solution for them, rather than continuing to struggle with formal education. Most of our high school kids are performing well but can still improve—high marks will give them the best chance at post secondary education. One on ones also gave Hanne and I the opportunity to impart a few words of wisdom and encouragement. We still have a couple of schools to visit this week. We find that face to face meetings make a difference.

Saturday Morning Program

Our first Saturday morning program in 2012 was busy with Art, Drama and Computers. The Christmas pageant costumes now provide a very colorful backdrop in the dining area.

Wishing you all a terrific 2012. Ted

We can make it big too!

Posted by Mercy On January 3, 2012 · Filed Under Activities · Comment 

Written by Gabriel Lando & Mercy Achieng

“WE CAN MAKE IT BIG TOO’…this was our motto this specific day. On 10th December 2011 some of the HHFL art members embarked on a trip that made some of us realize our hidden talents and dreams. Not only did we notice that, we also got motivated that we are all capable of doing great things no matter how hard the start might appear.

We gathered at the HHFL grounds exactly at eight o’clock ready to start the fabulous day! We could clearly see envy on the faces of the other kids; very unfortunate that not all of them could go. Our first stop was Gallery Watatu – they support and promote contemporary African art and was founded by three English men; Jonny Waite, Robin Anderson and David Hart. The name ‘Watatu’-meaning ‘THREE’ in Swahili refers to the three founders.

We were warmly welcomed by Mr. Kofi Osegi from Ghana, the Managing Director of Gallery Watatu. He spoke with this accent that we all found humorous. He showed us around the gallery and the art we saw was marvelous! We also noticed how well organized and planned the gallery was; the pictures neatly hung on the wall, everything in place and very attractive – maybe that’s why the gallery is well known around Nairobi. Now we know why Mama Hanne frequently insists on good planning!

We later had a talk from Mr. Kofi. He emphasized that we all should work hard at what we are best at. Everyone was all ears, could a fly pass right in front of their faces, no one would even notice!

Our next stop was at Kuona Trust. We were introduced to the ushers at the gate who informed us that it was an Open Day for the organization, showcasing samples of art by skilled youth. Everyone was given entry tickets.

Kuona Trust is a non-profit organization that supports many upcoming artists in Kenya. What really caught our attention was their motto: ADVANCING THE SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ARTISTS TO CREATE INNOVATIVE WORLD CLASS ART IN KENYA. We thought; ‘surely are we those artists they are referring to?’

We visited different stalls where the artists presented their art. What we majorly noticed is that the majority of artists were youth; both male and female. So that was a learning point! The MC of the day had a basket full of tickets that resembled the ones we had. She was to pick any ticket at random and the owner of the number picked was to get a prize. TENSION! FINGERS CROSSED! BREATHING HARD!

‘Could it be mine?’…help me Lord! This was everyone’s prayer. ‘Ticket number 54’…oh no. Not mine. ‘Neither is it mine….Too bad!’ But wait a minute, that’s the number on Sharon’s’ ticket! GO! GO! GO! Bravo! You just got yourself lucky. Sharon, one of our own, got a prize of an enormous flower – colour paint on hard canvas material. The framed picture was so big and we all stormed the stage just to hold our prize. A GLORIOUS MOMENT FOR HANNEHOWARDFUND!

All smiles, jolly faces and heads high…is that the spirit we should maintain? Definitely. We also got entertained by the theatre company but we realized we are better than them – they should watch this space!

‘Day gone’. We had to say goodbye as it was time to rush home. Hooray! We have this prize with us and more are to come! That’s why we are sticking to our motto: WE TOO CAN MAKE IT BIG!

Our Holiday Gift Cards are available online now!

Posted by Alexandra Howard On November 18, 2011 · Filed Under Fundraising · Comment 

Gift your loved ones with an HHFL Gift Card this holiday season!

You will be purchasing much needed items, such as textbooks, semester fees or uniforms for our children. Gift Cards can be sent directly to the recipient or to you to give personally. All cards include the option to write both the recipient’s and the giver’s name.

We have nine Gift Cards ranging from $5 to $300 available for purchase on our website. Each card features a special holiday illustration, hand drawn exclusively for you by the kids in the project. 100% of the proceeds go directly to benefit the HHFL children.

And for gifts above $40, we’ll send you more than one gift card so you can spread your holiday generosity among your friends and family!

A perfect (and most helpful) gift!

CLICK TO BUY YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS TODAY

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